🔗 Share this article

Our planet is under pressure, however optimism persists. A fresh honor originating at the science, music and arts festival Starmus will encourage people to make a difference.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name is to be awarded in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It will recognise those who protect the natural world.

Honoring a Legacy

The first recipients are expected to be announced during the Starmus VIII festival in the Canary Islands, which will run from October 17th to 22nd next year.

According to statements that Jane Goodall, who was a Starmus advisory board member, had backed the award’s creation. “The concept behind this award, and Starmus being entrusted with organising it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She said that she wanted for this to occur. This is likely due to the unique connection she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge enduring projects undertaken to create a planet improved for people, animals and the environment and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

A co-founder of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – would probably encompass various fields.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established exactly 10 years ago,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that very medal.

Expressing concern about the future for Earth, one figure said, “To be truthful, it’s very hard to be optimistic. Certain policies globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation really cripples global initiatives.”

“Realistically, the prospects aren't very good therefore we must begin to reflecting, more deeply about the consequences of human activity. And that’s not only climate change, that’s the whole way in which we interact with the natural world.”

Following an Example

As a result, it was noted it was a good time to emulate her guiding principles. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to transform our relationship with wildlife around us.”

Another key issue currently involves the spread of misinformation. The central topic of the upcoming Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that truth is becoming contested when politics is involved. This is a very dangerous thing,” it was said. “Climate research remains a scientific discipline; you cannot allow interference from politics in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The hope is that this honor will spur positive change. “The purpose is inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to look at doing all that is possible,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of failure, but you still continue striving toward success.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection shared optimism that “with guidance and when empowered, humans can be responsible caretakers of our planet”, pointing to the initiatives of an institute that, in addition to its projects, helps the next generation get involved with their community, wildlife, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall often reminded us, our daily actions have an impact and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” he said. “There is still time and this medal will offer support and raise awareness regarding the positive actions that are being undertaken.”